The Hidden Danger of Bedsores in Mississippi Nursing Homes
When a loved one enters a nursing home, families expect basic care, compassion, and safety. Unfortunately, that’s not always what they get. One of the most telling signs of neglect in a nursing facility is the development of bedsores—also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. These wounds can become infected, cause excruciating pain, and in severe cases, lead to death.
As a Mississippi nursing home abuse attorney with decades of experience handling wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims, I’ve seen how preventable these injuries often are. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we help families hold nursing homes accountable when their neglect causes harm—or worse, takes a life.
If your loved one has suffered from severe or fatal bedsores in a Mississippi facility, you may have a right to file a lawsuit for compensation. This article will help you understand how these cases work, what the law says, and what to do next.
What Causes Bedsores in Nursing Homes?
Bedsores form when prolonged pressure restricts blood flow to the skin, typically over bony areas like the hips, tailbone, heels, or elbows. If a resident isn’t turned or repositioned regularly, pressure builds and tissue begins to die. Once a bedsore reaches Stage 3 or 4, it can expose muscle or bone and become life-threatening if not treated.
Common causes of bedsores in Mississippi nursing homes include:
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Failure to reposition bedridden patients
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Inadequate staff to monitor residents
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Poor hygiene or moisture management
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Lack of skin assessments or medical intervention
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Malnutrition and dehydration
These injuries are often classified as “never events” in medical settings—meaning they are preventable and should never happen when proper care is provided.
Can I File a Lawsuit for Bedsores in Mississippi?
Yes. Under Mississippi law, you can file a lawsuit against a nursing home if a resident develops bedsores as a result of negligence, abuse, or substandard care. If the injuries are severe or fatal, surviving family members may also bring a wrongful death claim under Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-13.
To win these cases, we must prove that the nursing home breached its duty of care, and that the breach directly caused the resident’s injury or death. This often involves medical records, expert witness testimony, staffing records, and facility inspection reports.
If the injury was fatal, the resident’s estate and surviving family may be entitled to damages for:
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Pain and suffering
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Medical expenses
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Funeral and burial costs
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Loss of companionship or consortium
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Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Federal and State Legal Duties of Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are bound by both federal and Mississippi law to provide proper care to residents.
Federal Regulations
The Nursing Home Reform Act (part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987) requires facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds to:
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Maintain a resident’s dignity
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Prevent avoidable deterioration in physical health
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Provide necessary care and services
Failure to comply with these federal mandates opens the facility up to liability.
Mississippi State Law
Under Mississippi Code § 43-11-13, nursing homes must follow regulations set by the Mississippi State Department of Health, including adequate staffing, infection control, and proper patient monitoring. Violations of these standards can support a claim for damages.
Who Is Most at Risk of Bedsores?
Residents who are immobile, nonverbal, or dependent on staff for basic needs are especially vulnerable. This includes:
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Patients recovering from surgery
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Those with advanced dementia
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Stroke victims
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Paralyzed residents
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Residents with diabetes or vascular disease
Often, these residents cannot advocate for themselves. That’s why families must remain alert and speak up when warning signs appear.
Signs That Bedsores Are Due to Neglect
If you suspect abuse or neglect, look for:
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Unexplained pressure ulcers in hard-to-see areas (tailbone, heels, shoulders)
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Recurring infections or sepsis
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Weight loss, dehydration, or foul odors
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Dirty linens or soiled clothing
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Staff not documenting care or failing to answer call buttons
In one Mississippi case we handled, a family discovered a Stage 4 bedsore hidden under a bandage after their father died in a Jackson-area facility. The wound had become gangrenous and septic, and the facility had never reported it. Our investigation revealed major staffing shortages and falsified records.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Nursing Home Neglect?
Here are immediate steps you can take:
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Photograph the injury — Document the bedsore and surrounding area.
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Request records — Ask for the care plan, repositioning logs, and incident reports.
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File a report — Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health, Division of Licensure and Certification at 1-800-227-7308.
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Call a bedsore attorney — The sooner you act, the better chance you have of preserving evidence.
At Barrett Law, we step in right away to secure records, interview witnesses, and determine whether a lawsuit should be filed. We represent victims statewide, from Jackson to the Gulf Coast.
Why Choose Barrett Law, PLLC?
I’ve spent decades fighting for victims of nursing home abuse and wrongful death. We don’t charge you anything upfront. You only pay if we win your case.
Our firm has the experience, resources, and courtroom toughness needed to take on negligent nursing homes. We prepare every case for trial and push for maximum compensation at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Nursing Home Bedsore Claims
Can bedsores lead to death in nursing homes?
Yes. Advanced bedsores can become infected and lead to sepsis or organ failure. When untreated, they can be fatal—especially in elderly residents with compromised immune systems.
Is a nursing home automatically liable for a bedsore?
No. You still must prove the bedsore was avoidable and resulted from negligence. However, Stage 3 and Stage 4 ulcers often indicate a clear breakdown in care.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Mississippi?
Under Mississippi Code § 15-1-36, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice or nursing home injury is 2 yearsfrom the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
What is my case worth?
Every case is different. Factors include the severity of the injury, medical bills, pain and suffering, and whether death occurred. Punitive damages may apply in severe neglect cases.
Does Medicare cover treatment for bedsores?
Yes, but the existence of a Medicare claim does not prevent you from filing a lawsuit. In fact, Medicare may later assert a lien against the lawsuit recovery.
Are these cases hard to prove?
They require thorough investigation. We use medical experts, facility records, and staffing data to build strong claims. The earlier you call, the stronger the case.
Should I report the nursing home to the state?
Yes. File a complaint with the Mississippi State Department of Health, but understand that filing a report does not stop you from suing for civil damages.
What if my loved one died from sepsis due to bedsores?
That may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. We can help the estate and surviving family pursue full compensation.
How much does it cost to hire Barrett Law, PLLC?
You pay nothing upfront. We handle cases on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Can I sue if the facility is understaffed?
Yes. Chronic understaffing is a key indicator of neglect and can be used to prove liability when it leads to injury or death.
Have You or Your Loved Suffered Bedsores in Mississippi?
Call Mississippi Bedsore Lawsuit Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
Barrett Law, PLLC represents victims of nursing home abuse and neglect across Mississippi. We are proud to serve clients in:
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Jackson
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Gulfport
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Southaven
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Biloxi
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Hattiesburg
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Olive Branch
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Tupelo
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Meridian
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Pearl
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Madison
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Greenville
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Oxford
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Clinton
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Horn Lake
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Brandon
Call now to discuss your case. Don’t wait. Let’s demand accountability.
